Welcome to the first entry of the new Cryton Chronicles blog series, Mandela Monday, where we explore some of the residual evidence people claim has been left behind regarding the cited changes caused by the Mandela Effect. If unfamiliar with the Mandela Effect, I'd encourage you to check out my earlier series on the subject: CON[CERN]ING THE MANDELA EFFECT. In short, it's a phenomenon in which large groups of people have shared memories of specific facts and/or events contrary to the evidence that reality provides.

Our first topic will be one of the bigger movie quotes that triggers the phenomenon in people. It was the very first question featured in the first Mandela Effect Quiz (provided in that link above) and originates from one of the most beloved fantasy/adventure franchises since 1977 — Star Wars.

That specific quiz question, which you should try to answer before proceeding without cheating and looking it up (or sneaking a peek below), was:

What is the iconic line, spoken by Darth Vader to Luke Skywalker, at the end of Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back?

Did you get the question right? Was the line how you remembered it or was it changed slightly?

In the movie, the line is "No, I am your father", but those who are experiencing the Mandela Effect, myself included, remember the iconic line as "Luke, I am your father." I should note that some recall "No, Luke, I am your father." The fact that sometimes more than two dominate memories exist is generally glossed over, because most examples only have the two opposing discrepancies.

Originally, I thought that the cause for the conflict of remembrances could have derived from the fact that there have been multiple remasters of the franchise. It made sense, because there were updates and changes made to the classics (some wildly approved, others dividing the fanbase). If this were the case, it would explain why so many people remember the quote one way over another, depending on which version they happened to watch. It would at least quell most of the arguments revolving around the movie quote and claims of it being a false memory and/or a part of an alternate dimension!

However, below is a comparisons of the scene from two different versions of the fifth (second of the original trilogy) Star Wars film and an addition video featuring actual VHS footage. The latter also has the bonus rant from someone upset over the change from "Luke" to "No", which is entertaining.

So if it has always been "No, I am your father", how do people resistant to the Mandela Effect theory explain why so many people remember it wrong, beyond false memories (the lead defacto blame for the phenomenon). Some suggest it was from the line featured in the Chris Farley helmed comedy, Tommy Boy.

For some this is a logical jump of reasoning and I can understand why. Ignoring the fact that he even states he is referencing and quoting Star Wars, though, what about those who haven't ever seen Tommy Boy? I guess many would say the descrepancies spawned from another source making an erroneous reference to the quote.

Below you will find some more examples from a source that is heavily featured in examples associated with the Mandela Effect — The Simpsons! In one of the videos there is even a reference to another movie with a quote many supposedly misremember (though we are never treated to the actual quote in the clip). I believe this is because The Simpsons has always been a show that's kept up with pop culture throughout its long, continued run. Take a look...

So two clips featuring the quote spoken the way that those affected by the Mandela Effect remember. I believe even one featured the voice-acting of the revered James Earl Jones, Darth Vader himself! This show is likely a lot more popular and mainstream than Tommy Boy, but again, what about those who aren't fans? Ironically, given Moe's character in the scene above, maybe the buck can be passed to Austin Powers?

Okay, so these are a lot of movies and shows incorrectly referencing Star Wars! So did Tommy Boy start the misquoting and, in turn, began haphazardly influencing the creators of these other projects? Or vice-versa? Then the fans of these entertainment sources began to do the same and the misquote traveled far and wide? That's apparently what people opposed to the Mandela Effect want to make others believe. Rather than the very real possibility that these movies are citing an original Star Wars quote.

But wait, why are we even bothering looking to these hacks for answers?! James Earl Jones was mentioned above, and maybe The Simpsons creators paid him off for his small voice-over, bribed to speak their bullshit line the way they remembered it! The Illuminati forced his hand! Well, here is YouTube content creator MoneyBags73 (whose channel I follow) featuring a compilation video of James Earl Jones quoting and referencing his very own line the way he remembers it:

Wait, what?! Here are two of those clips featured on their own if you want to take another gander:

Huh... Well, that's confusing. It seems the very voice-actor portraying Darth Vader remembers the famous movie quote the way those experiencing the phenomenon do! He's obviously just misremembering...

And herein lays the conundrum with The Mandela Effect and residual evidence. Said evidence could potentially be used to attempt explaining away the phenomenon, being blamed for why it is occurring and nothing more than false memories or disinformation. Those triggered by it instead argue that it is proof of the existence of mysterious and bizarre occurrences taking place, whether parallel universes, collapsing timelines, living within a simulation, (among others) changing and/or warping our very reality.

Regardless of which end of the spectrum you're on when discussing and researching the Mandela Effect, it's important to stay sane and keep your sense of humor!

So this is just the first of many examples of residual evidence that people have found associated with cited changes via the Mandela Effect. Some have many (I didn't even cover all of them associated with this single movie quote), some have a handful. This is a longer piece, but I'm planning (hoping) that future segments will be shorter. It was important, however, to give a more in-depth explanation as to what residual evidence is in relation to this intriguing phenomenon.

Naturally, many will blow this all off as the nonsensical ramblings of a madman and to those people I politely say "be on your merry". Though, I do welcome polite, constructive discussions! For those who are already believers of the Mandela Effect, on the fence, or come into this with an open mind, you may experience some interesting, potentially mind-altering revelations! I hope you continue to follow along with this new series observing these remnants that, for whatever reason, were left behind.

Did you get the quiz question right? Do you remember "No", "Luke", or something completely different when Darth Vader reveals his identity to young Skywalker? What do you account for the misremembrances? Do you think Tommy Boy, The Simpsons, and/or Austin Powers are the cause for people misquoting the line? Or do you think their creators are accurately referencing what they themselves remember from an original source? What about James Earl Jones not accurately remembering his own iconic line?

Have you found any different residual evidence associated with the subject matter above?

It’s been a long while, so I thought I would give a brief look into the reason(s) behind my absence. You’ll have to forgive my potentially awkward, stilted jibber-jabber. It may take some time for me to get warmed up…

Dreams in the Shade of Ink is back with more Flash Fiction for the A to Z Challenge 2017! Last year my segments throughout April painted a puzzled tapestry of prose and I hope to provide some new, entertaining stories that you'll enjoy!

recent META

The A to Z Challenge 2017 is over and it's time to reflect on how the event went! There were booster pack openings, there were storylines and mechanics to observe within the world of Magic: The Gathering!

Join me as I discuss the ups and downs of this year's Magic Mixer theme.

This year for the A to Z Challenge 2017 Meta MTG presents the Magic Mixer! What's that mean? Your guess is as good as mine... What I do know, however, is that this year's theme is obviously still all about Magic: The Gathering!

Join me as I attempt to highlight a different Magic set each day of the challenge in different ways, from pack openings to discussions about a set's storyline and/or mechanics!